Interactive animate luggage

ABSTRACT

A suitcase that, in certain embodiments, allow for animate and interactive zoolocomotion and zoomimicry of luggage. Importantly, such output may occur without the need for a user to press buttons; instead, such output may be triggered by natural interactions with embodiments described herein, such as when a child strokes a cat causing the cat to purr in enjoyment.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. provisionalapplication 62/587,211 filed Nov. 16, 2017 by the same inventors whichis included by reference as if fully set forth herein. This applicationis also a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No.29/617,217 filed Sep. 9, 2017, which in turn is a continuation of U.S.Pat. D824,676 issued Aug. 7, 2018.

BACKGROUND Field of Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to luggage, andmore specifically, to an animal-like, rolling suitcase with sensoryinput and audiovisual, physical and tactile output.

Description of Related Art

Currently, luggage is inanimate and lacks interactivity with owners.Thus owners are unlikely to be emotionally attached to their luggage.This is especially true with children. Because of this dearth, luggageis merely borne by tired, disinterested users, dragged and bumped alongthrough hotels and airports all over the world. Clearly there is a needfor interactive, animate and entertaining luggage.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein allow for animate and interactivezoolocomotion and zoomimicry of luggage. Importantly, such output mayoccur without the need for a user to press buttons; instead, such outputmay be triggered by natural interactions with embodiments describedherein, such as when a child strokes a cat causing the cat to purr inenjoyment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit block diagram, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive and animate suitcase, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for driving audiovisual, physical and/ortactile output based on sensory input, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Generality of Invention

This application should be read in the most general possible form. Thisincludes, without limitation, the following:

References to specific techniques include alternative and more generaltechniques, especially when discussing aspects of embodiments describedherein, or how the embodiment might be made or used.

References to “preferred” techniques generally mean that the inventorcontemplates using those techniques, and thinks those techniques arebest for the intended application. This does not exclude othertechniques for embodiments described herein, and does not mean thatthose techniques are necessarily essential or would be preferred in allcircumstances.

References to contemplated causes and effects for some implementationsdo not preclude other causes or effects that might occur in otherimplementations.

References to reasons for using particular techniques do not precludeother reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary, wherecircumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or techniques arenot as applicable.

Furthermore, embodiments described herein are in no way limited to thespecifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein.Many other variations are possible which remain within the content,scope and spirit of embodiments described herein, and these variationswould become cl to those skilled in the art after perusal of thisapplication.

More detail may be found in the attached appendix, which is incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein.

Glossary

As used herein, “coapproach” (noun) may refer to the process of movementof one or more objects towards the other objects and/or towards a commoncenter before collision. As used herein, “coapproaching” (verb) refersto locomotion during coapproach.

As used herein, “zoolocomotion” (noun), “zoolocomote” (verb), andzoolocomotory (adjective) may refer to any animal-like movement of amember or part of a member of the animal kingdom.

As used herein, “zoomimicry” (noun), “zoomimical” (adjective), and“zoomimic/zoomimicking” (verb) may refer to non-living objects takingthe appearance and/or behavior of a member or part of a member of theanimal kingdom.

FIG. 1

FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit block diagram, according to one embodimentof the present disclosure. Circuit 100 employs bus 102 to electricallyconnect (1) data processing 105 with (1) sensory input 120 with (3)audiovisual, physical and tactile output 155 with (4) power system 180.Data processing 105 includes processor 110, memory 115. Sensory input120 includes accelerometer 125, tactile sensor 130, microphone 135,camera 140, rotation sensor 145, handle sensor 150. Audiovisual,physical and tactile output 155 includes vibratory driver 160, speaker165, display 170, actuator 175. Power system 180 includes motor/dynamo185, power/data cable 190 and battery 195. The inventors contemplate theconnection of elements of circuit 100 in any and all conceivablefashion.

Data Processing 105

Data processing 105 includes processor 110 and memory 115. In oneembodiment, processor 110 may execute commands related to sensory inputdata from sensory input 120 (described herein). In another embodiment,processor 110 may execute instructions that may trigger actions byoutput 155 (described herein).

Memory 115 may store, by way of example and not limitation, inputs,commands, outputs or other data. By way of example and not limitation,memory 115 may be short-term memory (e.g., random access memory) orlong-term data storage (e.g., EEPROM or solid state memory). In oneembodiment, memory 115 may store sensory input data from sensory input120 (described herein). In another embodiment, memory 115 may storecommand instructions (e.g., software or firmware) that, when executed byprocessor 110, may trigger actions by output 155 (described herein). Inan additional embodiment, memory 115 may be used as backup/auxillarydata storage for smart devices, laptops and the like.

Certain embodiments may include wireless communications circuitry (notshown) to effectuate programmability. This may include Bluetooth, nearfield communications (NFC), and Wi-Fi circuitry. Moreover, certainembodiment may include location sensing such as GPS coupled to theprocessor.

Sensory Input 120

Sensory input 120 includes accelerometer 125, tactile sensor 130,microphone 135, camera 140, rotational sensor 145, handle sensor 150.Accelerometer 125 may be a 3-axis (i.e., X-, Y- and Z-axis)accelerometer capable of detecting motion of circuit 100 and/orembodiments described herein connected to circuit 100. In this manner,accelerometer 125 may detect when embodiments described herein undergomotion, and may send telemetry to processor 110.

Tactile sensor 130 may send touch data to processor 110, which, in turn,causes processor 110 to execute commands described herein. In someembodiments, tactile sensor 130 may be located on a suitcase handle (notpictured) or on a suitcase shell (not pictured) and may detect when auser touches tactile sensor 130.

Microphone 135 may record audio and transmit audio data to processor110, causing processor 110 to execute commands described herein. In oneembodiment, processor 110 may cause microphone 135 may monitor audio for‘key phrases’ spoken by a user. In this example, when a ‘key phrase’ isspoken and detected by microphone 135, microphone 135 may triggerprocessor 110 to execute output commands described herein.

Camera 140 may record video and transmit video data to processor 110,causing processor 110 to execute commands described herein. In oneembodiment, processor 110 may cause camera 140 may monitor video for‘key gestures’ performed by a user. In this example, when a ‘keygesture’ is performed and detected by camera 140, camera 140 may triggerprocessor 110 to execute output commands described herein.

Rotation sensor 145 may detect rotation of embodiments described hereinand send rotational data (i.e., telemetry) to processor 110. In oneembodiment, a commercially available rotation sensor 145 maymechanically linked to a wheel (not pictured) and may detect when a usercauses the wheel to roll. In a further embodiment, telemetry may used totrigger processor 110 to execute output commands described herein.

Handle sensor 150 may detect telescopic movement of coaxial shafts. Suchcoaxial shafts may be, by way of example and not limitation, atelescoping, extendable handle shaft such as that found on a suitcase.In one embodiment, handle sensor 150 may be located proximate to ahandle shaft (not pictured) and may detect when a user telescopicallyextends a handle shaft. This detection may be effectuated using acommercially available proximity sensor or limit switch. In a furtherembodiment, movement detected by handle sensor 150 may cause processor110 to execute output commands described herein.

Audiovisual, Physical and Tactile Output 155 (Output 155)

Accelerometer 125, tactile sensor 130, microphone 135, camera 140,rotational sensor 145, handle sensor 150 (together, sensory input 120),may record sensory input and send sensory input data to data processing105. Data processing 105 may send commands to cause audiovisual,physical and tactile output from output 155 as described herein. Morespecifically, a user's interactions with embodiments described hereinmay cause movements or reactions that mimic that of animals (i.e.,zoolocomotion and zoomimicry, respectively).

Vibratory devices such as haptic motion devices and vibratory drivers160 may cause vibrations of embodiments described herein that aredetectable by a user. Vibratory driver 160 may be a solid-statevibratory driver or any known vibratory driver. In one embodiment,vibratory driver 160 may mimic the vibrations of an animal's body when“purring” occurs (e.g., a cat's purring can be felt as vibrations by auser upon being petted). However, the inventors contemplate embodimentsdescribed herein conducting any and all types of zoolocomotion andzoomimicry.

Embodiments described herein provide for inputs from sensory input 120to trigger outputs from output 155. By way of example and not limitationtactile sensor 130 may detect a “petting” motion (e.g., such as when onestrokes a pet affectionately) and may communicate touch data to dataprocessing 105. Said petting motion may be detected by detecting andtracking contact movement across a surface. In turn, data processing 105may trigger vibratory driver 160. In this manner, tactile sensor 130 maytrigger vibratory driver 160 using zoomimicry of embodiments describedherein. By way of example and not limitation, zoomimicry in this examplemay take the appearance of “purring” (such as that conducted by a cat inresponse to being petted). Thus, embodiments described herein providefor zoomimicking reactions triggered by user stimuli.

In an optional embodiment, speaker 165, connected to circuit 100, may beemployed to play sounds based on commands generated by processor 110.Such sounds may include “purring,” any zoomimicry or known audio file.Moreover, these commands may occur in reaction to one or more of: datafrom handle sensor 150, tactile sensor 130, rotation sensor 145 ortelemetry from accelerometer 125.

Continuing with examples provided herein, a user's petting motiondetected by tactile sensor 130 or other sensory input 120 may causespeaker 165 to play a “purring sound” in either isolation or conductedwith other output (i.e., simultaneous with vibrations caused byvibratory driver 160). In this manner, embodiments described herein maymore realistically zoomimic animal reactions to user stimuli.

Display 170 may consist of any known visual display such as, by way ofexample and not limitation, one or more LEDs or a LCD display. In oneembodiment, display 170 may take the form of a collection of LEDs. Byway of example and not limitation, display 170 may be a “heart-shaped”formation of multi-colored LEDs capable of varying illumination levelsand color displays.

While zoomimical and zoolocomotory examples have been given, theinventors contemplate that embodiments described herein are not limitedto realistic forms and movements. Indeed, fantastical shapes and actionsare contemplated by the inventors. A fantastical example follows:display 170 may “pulse” in response to commands output by processor 110in reaction to movement detected by accelerometer 125. By way of exampleand not limitation, such pulsing may also take the form of changingshapes and/or colors, occurring at stable or varying frequencies.Moreover, the pulsing may be fashioned after an animal heartbeat.

Accordingly, a user may interact with embodiments described herein in amanner detectable by sensory input 120, causing display 170 to change inresponse. By way of example and not limitation, accelerometer 125 orother sensory input 120 may detect movement of embodiments describedherein, causing display 170 to appear as a “beating heart” in afantastical representation of life. For example, a user may “pet,”“shake,” or roll embodiments described herein, causing embodimentsdescribed herein to appear “awake” or “alive” to a user.

In a further example, the “heartbeat” described herein may changefrequency depending on a rolling speed detected by rotation sensor 145or other sensory input 120. In an even further example, rollingembodiments described herein faster may cause a faster “heartbeat.” Inthis manner, display 170 may cause embodiments described herein to takeon a fantastical appearance of “excitement.”

Actuator 175 may rotate, oscillate or otherwise actuate in response tocommands output by data processing 105. This actuation may occur inreaction to data recorded by sensory input 120. In a further embodiment,appendages as described herein (not pictured) may be attached toactuator 175 such that the appendages undergo movement driven byactuator 175 in reaction to telemetry from accelerometer 125. Theseappendages may mimic animal shapes; however, the inventors contemplatethat the appendages may take on any form or shape.

By way of example and not limitation, appendages may be attached to oneor more actuators 175 to give the appearance of “cat ears.” Further inthis example, user stimuli detected by sensory input 120 may causeactuators 175 and attached appendages to execute zoolocomotion.

Continuing with examples provided herein, a user's petting motiondetected by tactile sensor 130 or other sensory input 120 may cause oneor more actuators 175 to “wiggle,” by way of example and not limitation,appendages in the form of “cat ears.” Thus, “petting” embodimentsdescribed herein may cause a “lifelike” reaction in the form of“twitching” or “twisting” cat ears in a “perkily attentive” manner. Saidwiggling may be effectuate by having the “ears” magnetically coupled toa support plate, which in turn is rotated of re-positioned underprogrammatic control. More information on such zoolocomotion is providedherein. Magnetically coupling appendages allows for changing todifferent ears or shapes to provide different effects. Moreover,magnetically coupling appendages allows the appendages to be removed forstoring or shipping the suitcase.

The inventors contemplate that such actuation by actuator 175 may occurin either isolation or conducted with other output. Furthering examplesused herein, wiggling appendages caused by actuation of one or moreactuators 175 may occur simultaneously with vibrations caused byvibratory driver 160 and/or “purring” sounds played by speaker 165. Inthis manner, embodiments described herein may more realisticallyzoomimic animal reactions to user stimuli. Again, output possibilitiesfrom output 155 are not limited to lifelike representations. Furtheringexamples still, display 170 may play visual output simultaneously withone or more of the output examples given herein, thus fantasticallyenhancing output and/or animations described herein. By way of exampleand not limitation, display 170 may display a pulsing heart in responseto a user petting embodiments described herein.

Power Systems 180

Power systems 180 include motor/dynamo 185, power/data cable 190 andbattery 195. Motor/dynamo 185 may be located in wheels (not pictured) tocause movement of embodiments described herein, or to generateelectricity by acting as a dynamo when embodiments described herein aremoved. In one embodiment, motor/dynamo 185 may be mechanically linked torotation sensor 140. Motor/dynamo 185 may also cause locomotion ofembodiments described herein in response to sensory input. In oneembodiment, motor/dynamo 185 may cause embodiments described herein tozoolocomote. By way of example and not limitation, such zoolocomotionmay mimic the way a pet follows a person (e.g., a cat follows an owner).

Power/data cable 190 may be connected to circuit 100 and may be employedto power or recharge one or more elements of circuit 100. Power/datacable 190 may be retractable or concealable with a cover plate as known.Battery 195 may be connected to circuit 100 and may be employed to powerone or more elements of circuit 100. Battery 195 may be any knownbattery including rechargeable-type batteries. In one embodiment,battery 195 may be recharged by embodiments described herein, includingbut not limited to: motor/dynamo 185 and power/data cable 190.

Power/data cable 190 may be of any cable type, including USB. Theinventors contemplate that power/data cable 190 may feed power intoother devices to recharge them or transmit/receive data. In oneembodiment, power/data cable 190 may be compatible with smart devicesfor multiple purposes including but limited to: recharging smart devicesand backing up/storing data for smart devices. In one embodiment, theinventors contemplate the usage of embodiments described herein (e.g.,rolling a suitcase) to charge battery 195, and in turn, battery 195 maybe used to recharge a user's smart device through power/data cable 190.Any power/data cables 190, such as a USB cable, has myriad uses in theart and the inventors contemplate all such uses.

Data Communications System

While not pictured, the inventors also contemplate the addition of acommunications system (not pictured), including but not limited to:wireless or wired communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G or LTE datacommunications) as known. Wired or wireless communications may provideInternet connectivity, data transfer capability and access to cloud datastorage. Data storage capabilities as described herein (e.g., memory115) may allow for wireless backup or wired backup (e.g., throughpower/data cable 190) for smart devices, laptops and the like.

Conventional radio modules such as GPS, Bluetooth and the like may beincluded in some embodiments to allow for enhanced operations such asthe ability to transmit, to a server, location information, or toeffectuate certain motions in response to specific location information.

The inventors also contemplate that any data from embodiments describedherein (e.g., sensory input data, telemetry and the like, or any data asdescribed herein) may be recorded and uploaded to cloud-based Internetstorage. Furthermore, the inventors contemplate storing and sharing ofthis data on the Internet (e.g., social media websites) with Internetusers, e.g., social media users and/or other owners of embodimentsdescribed herein, such that these Internet users may be aware of eachother's shared data. By way of example and not limitation, users ofembodiments described herein may share data related to embodimentsdescribed herein with each other, e.g., compare telemetry. Moreover,users may download certain program instructions to alter or enhance theoperations described herein.

The above illustration provides many different embodiments forimplementing different features of embodiments described herein.Specific embodiments of components and processes are described to helpclarify embodiments described herein. These are, of course, merelyembodiments and are not intended to limit embodiments described hereinfrom that described in the claims.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2 illustrates an interactive and animate suitcase, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. View 200 shows a frontthree-quarters profile of suitcase 205. Suitcase 205 includes wheels210, tactile sensor 215, one or more appendages 220, display 225,casters 230, handle 255, and actuators 275.

Suitcase 205 may be of impact-resistant or ballistic material as known.Suitcase 205 may be water resistant or waterproof (e.g., IP68g or IP69k)as known. Suitcase 205 may contain multiple, isolated compartments asknown. Suitcase 205 may be a clamshell or foldable design as known.Suitcase 205 may a hardshell, soft fabric, or hybrid design as known.Suitcase 205 may have zippers, clasps, buttons, magnetic enclosures andmay seal closed by any known means.

Some embodiments may include handles 255 made from clear plasticproviding for certain illumination affects. This may be effectuated byplacing a light source, such as one or more LEDs (not shown), at thebase of the handle 255. With the LEDs under programmatic control, thecolor, and light intensity may be varied for certain movements or inresponse to certain stimuli.

Optionally, suitcase 205 may include speakers, handle sensors and/orvibratory drivers (not shown) as described herein. In some embodiment,casters 230 may be fixed- or spinner-style, as known. In otherembodiments, wheels 210 and/or casters 230 may be of varying opacity(e.g., transparent). In one embodiment, casters 230 and/or wheels 210may have be transparent with an opaque portion to give the appearance of“paws” or “feet.”

Sensory Input

Tactile sensor 215 may detect physical contact by a user as describedherein. Tactile sensor 215 may transmit sensory data to a processor. Inone embodiment, tactile sensor 215 may detect, by way of example and notlimitation, “petting” of suitcase 205 by a user in a similar manner thata user may pet an animal. While “petting” of tactile sensor 215 isprovided as an example, the inventors contemplate any physicalinteraction with tactile sensor 215 to cause tactile sensor 215 totransmit sensory data to the processor.

As illustrated, tactile sensor 215 is positioned on suitcase 205 nearappendages 220, however, the inventors contemplate positioning one ormore tactile sensors 230 on any location on suitcase 205. Furthermore,tactile sensor 215 may take any shape and occupy any surface of suitcase205.

A rotation sensor (not shown) may be mechanically linked with one ormore wheels 210 in order to detect rotation of wheels 210, and thuslocomotion of suitcase 205 by a user. In turn, rotation sensor may sendtelemetry to a processor. The rotation sensor may be mounted coaxiallyto, or otherwise mechanically engaged with, one or more wheels 210 suchthat wheels 210 supply rotational drive to the rotation sensors by knownmeans.

An accelerometer (not shown) may be employed in suitcase 205 to detectmovement of embodiments described herein, or physical contact ofembodiments described herein by a user. Thus, the accelerometer maytransmit telemetry to a processor. By way of example and not limitation,the accelerometer may detect rolling of suitcase 205 by a user,“petting” or shaking of suitcase 205 by a user.

Finally, a microphone and/or camera (not shown) may be located proximateto suitcase 205 to record audiovisual data. Audiovisual data may be sentto a processor and may in turn cause audiovisual, physical or tactileoutput as described herein.

Handle 255, as shown in rear three-quarters view 250, may allow a userto drag or push suitcase 205. Handle 255 may be a fixed- ortelescoping-style handle as known. Handle 255 may also contain a handlesensor (not pictured) that sends information related to handle movementto a processor. In one embodiment, handle 255, when deployed orretracted by a user, may trigger activation/deactivation of embodimentsdescribed herein. In further embodiments, such triggering may reducecharge depletion and improve battery performance.

Audiovisual, Physical & Tactile Output

As illustrated, appendages 220 appear as “cat ears,” but appendages 220may, by way of example and not limitation, take any zoomorphic form andthe inventors contemplate appendages 220 taking the form of any knownthree-dimensional shape. Also as illustrated, appendages 220 arelocated, by way of example and not limitation, on top of suitcase 205.However, the inventors contemplate placing appendages 200 any locationproximate to suitcase 205. In one embodiment, appendages 220 may beremovable and stored in suitcase 205 to allow suitcase 205 to occupy anoverall smaller volume profile. In this manner, such a reduced footprintmay allow for easier storage in airplane overhead compartments andbetter compatibility with passenger airline regulations.

Appendages 220 may be driven by actuators 275, as shown in top front(cutaway) view 270. Under the power of actuators 275, appendages 220 may“move,” or more specifically, appendages 220 may coapproach oroscillate. By way of example and not limitation, appendages 220 may“twitch,” “wiggle,” or “twist,” in a manner similar to the motion of theears of a cat. Note, however, that the inventors contemplate any and allmovements physically possible of appendages 220 by actuators 220. By wayof example and not limitation, such movements may take the form ofzoolocomotion. Movement of appendages 220 may occur in reaction toaccelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry, handle or tactile sensor 215data being received and processed by a processor.

Display 225 may be lit by a power source (not shown) in suitcase 205. Asillustrated, Display 225 takes the form of LEDs deployed in a “heart”formation on suitcase 205, but the inventors contemplate that display225 may take any shape or be of any number, and be located on anyposition on suitcase 205. LEDs are illustrated only by way of exampleand not limitation. Thus, embodiments described herein provide for anyknown video displays, such as LCD screens and the like. Furthermore, theinventors contemplate the display of any and all visual media on display225. Furthermore, the inventors contemplate a processing updating orotherwise changing this visual media based on sensory input data asprovided herein. In one embodiment, display 225 may illuminate inreaction to sensory input as described herein.

In one embodiment, a speaker (not shown) may cause sound in reaction toaccelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry, microphone, camera, handlesensor or tactile sensor 215 data being received and processed by aprocessor as described herein. By way of example and not limitation, thespeaker may play music, animal sounds, however, the inventorscontemplate any and all audio output known.

A vibratory driver (not shown) may be employed to cause vibration ofsuitcase 205 or parts of the suitcase according to some embodimentsdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the vibratory driver may vibratesuitcase 205 in reaction to accelerometer/rotation sensor telemetry,handle sensor or tactile sensor 215 data being received and processed bya processor.

By way of example and not limitation, output by appendages 220, display225, a vibratory driver or speaker may occur in reaction to data from auser “petting” suitcase 205, rolling or shaking suitcase 205, using(e.g., deploying/retracting) handle 255, or any other stimuli. In otherwords, a user interfacing with suitcase 205 may cause output byappendages 220, display 225, a vibratory driver or speaker to imitate a“reaction” by suitcase 205. While zoolocomotory/zoomimical examples havebeen provided, the inventors contemplate any and all possible movementsas reactions by suitcase 205 to user stimuli. Furthermore, the speedand/or frequency of output by appendages 220, display 225, a vibratorydriver or speaker may vary in reaction to user stimuli.

In one embodiment, pulling up on handle 255 (i.e., telescoping ordeploying) may cause embodiments described herein to appear to “wakeup,” e.g., triggering a “heartbeat” on display 225, movement ofappendages 220, or causing audiovisual, physical or tactical output asdescribed herein.

Power System

Suitcase 205 may include one or more of: a power cable (not pictured) ora battery (not pictured) as described herein. One or more wheels 210 mayinclude one or more motor/dynamos (not pictured). Motor/dynamos mayrecharge a battery (not shown) or provide locomotion to suitcase 205, asdescribed herein. Motor/dynamos may also cause suitcase 205 to move inresponse to sensory input as described herein. In one embodiment,motory/dynamos may cause suitcase 205 to zoolocomote (by way of exampleand not limitation: “follow” a user in manner similar to a pet followingan owner) based on commands from a processor and/or sensory input asdescribed herein.

FIG. 3

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for driving audiovisual, physical and/ortactile output based on sensory input, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Although the method steps are described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-3, persons skilled in the art will understandthat any system configured to perform the method steps, in any order,falls within the scope of the present disclosure. The steps in thismethod are illustrative only and do not necessarily need to be performedin the given order they are presented herein. Some steps may be omittedcompletely.

The method begins at a step 305, in which sensory input is received by asensor. In some embodiments, sensors may be tactile sensors, handlesensors, rotational sensors or accelerometers as described herein. Byway of example and not limitation, sensory input for a tactile sensormay take the form of touch data, such as if a user were to “pet” thetactile sensor. A handle sensor may send a handle trigger output when,by way of example and not limitation, deployment of a telescopingsuitcase handle is detected by a handle sensor. By way of example andnot limitation, an accelerometer or a rotational sensor mechanicallylinked to a wheel may send telemetry related to movement of embodimentsdescribed herein.

At a step 310, sensory input data is transmitted to a processor. At astep 315, the processor may execute instructions from software stored inmemory in response to and/or dependent on sensory input data. By way ofexample and not limitation, software may take the form of firmware,software loaded in short- or long-term data storage as described herein,or Internet/cloud-stored information.

At a step 320, the processor may send commands based on the instructionsto an audio/visual physical or tactile output system (output system). Insome embodiments, an output system may include one or more of thefollowing: motor/dynamos, vibratory drivers, displays and speakers asdescribed herein. By way of example and not limitation, a command sentby the processor to a motor/dynamo may cause voltage applied to amotor/dynamo, causing a suitcase to zoolocomote, as described herein. Byway of example and not limitation, commands to a vibratory driver maycause voltage applied to a vibratory driver, causing a suitcase tozoomimick a cat (e.g., “purring”), as described herein. By way ofexample and not limitation, commands sent to a speaker may be formed asaudio data signals causing a suitcase to zoommick “purring” sounds froma speaker, as described herein. By way of example and not limitation,commands sent to a display may take the form of voltage applied to anLED or video data sent to a display, causing pulsation/illumination of aheart formation of LEDs or fantastical representations of lifelikeappearances and animations as described herein.

Although embodiments described herein are illustrated and describedherein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is neverthelessnot intended to be limited to the details shown, since variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of embodiments described herein and within thescope and range of equivalents of the claims. Moreover, this applicationincludes additional images in the attached appendix to thespecification. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claimsbe construed broadly and, in a manner, consistent with the scope ofembodiments described herein, as set forth in the following claims.

1. A container including: a plurality of wheels, an extendable handle,coupled to said container; a processor coupled to the container saidprocessor coupled to a memory device, a motion detector and an actuator;said memory device operable to hold program instructions directing theprocessor to perform a method including: detecting motion and moving anappendage in response to the motion.
 2. The container of claim 1 whereinthe moving the appendage includes zoolocomotion.
 3. The container ofclaim 1 wherein the appendage is substantially in the form of cat ears.4. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is a suitcase.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 4 further including: a wireless communication system,said wireless communications system coupled to the processor; whereinthe processor and wireless communications system are operable to sendand receive information to alter the program instructions.
 6. Thecontainer of claim 5 wherein the wireless communications system iseither Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
 7. The container of claim 1 further includinga tactile sensor, said tactile sensor coupled to the processor.
 8. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein the motion detector is an accelerometer. 9.A suitcase including: at least one wheel, said wheel including arotation sensor; a processor coupled to the suitcase said processorcoupled to a memory device, a tactile sensor, a motion detector, andactuator and the rotation sensor; said memory device operable to holdprogram instructions directing the processor to perform a methodincluding one or more of the following: detecting motion and moving anappendage in response to the motion, detecting rotation and moving anappendage in response to the rotation, detecting touch and moving anappendage in response to the touch; wherein said appendage substantiallyrepresents an animal ear; wherein the moving the appendage includesmovement of the animal ear in a substantially zoomical motion.
 10. Thesuitcase of claim 9 further including: a second appendage, wherein saidmoving the appendage includes moving both appendages.
 11. A suitcaseincluding: at least one wheel, said wheel including a rotation sensor; asubstantially transparent handle, said handle dispose on a first surfaceof the suitcase; a light source, said light source disposed toilluminate at least a portion of the handle; a processor coupled to thesuitcase said processor coupled to a memory device, a tactile sensor, amotion detector, the light source and the rotation sensor; said memorydevice operable to hold program instructions directing the processor toperform a method including one or more of the following: detectingmotion and illuminating the light source in response to the motion,detecting rotation and illuminating the light source in response to therotation, or detecting touch and illuminating the light source inresponse to the touch.
 12. The suitcase of claim 11 wherein the lightsource includes multi-colored LEDs.